Idaho Delegation Highlights Benefits of the USMCA

Washington, D.C.-U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), joined by U.S. Representatives for Idaho Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, along with Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), are urging the Trump Administration to strengthen and fully enforce the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), citing its critical role in supporting Idaho's economy.

In a letter to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer, the Idaho delegation highlighted the importance of the USMCA to the state's agricultural industry, emphasizing that the agreement's market access provisions helped increase the value of Idaho's exports to Mexico and Canada by nearly 50 percent between 2020 and 2025.

From the letter:

"USMCA and, importantly, its full and effective implementation are crucial to Idaho's agricultural producers and processors, which are the commercial and cultural backbone of our rural communities and drive 190 diverse commodities into the foreign and domestic marketplace."

"Idaho's agricultural landscape relies heavily on the market access and trade commitments secured under USMCA. However, some persistent, unresolved implementation and compliance gaps obstruct complete realization of the market opportunities Idahoans were promised. These challenges illustrate the need for strong enforcement constructs that make certain Canada and Mexico fulfill their obligations and that Idahoans reap the full benefits of USMCA."

"The ongoing USMCA joint review presents a critically important opportunity to both reinforce the agreement's core strengths and to ensure that its commitments are honored."

What they are saying:

"USMCA has been critical to the success of Idaho barley growers and accessing important export markets. This program strongly supports U.S. agriculture, benefits our rural communities and helps create and sustain demand for Idaho and American-grown barley and other U.S. farm commodities. Idaho is the top producing barley state in the U.S., growing 39 percent of the nation's barley crop in 2025 valued at $324.3 million. The majority of that barley, over 75 percent, is malt barley-one of the most important ingredients in brewing beer. Mexico has long been the primary export market for Idaho and U.S. barley and barley malt. Idaho and U.S. farmers are inextricably linked to Mexico, and it is imperative that we protect this relationship through USMCA." - Laura Wilder, Executive Director, Idaho Barley Commission

"As an Idaho grain grower, I see firsthand how USMCA supports healthy export markets and the import of essential farm inputs. This agreement is foundational to the long-term stability and competitiveness of family farms across Idaho and the country." - Kyle Wangemann, President, Idaho Grain Producers Association

"Maintaining and expanding global trade markets for U.S beef is critical to the economic viability of Idaho's cattle industry. In a state where cattle outnumber people, it is vital that we have opportunities to export beef outside of our borders. The continuance of fair and equitable trade agreements with our global trading partners is a key priority for our industry. The Idaho Cattle Association encourages the timely review and renewal of USMCA." - Val Carter, President, Idaho Cattle Association

"USMCA has been a win for Idaho agriculture. It provides reliable access to key export markets, supports jobs throughout the food supply chain and gives farmers and ranchers greater confidence to invest in the future. We encourage its continuation and strong enforcement." - Matt Dorsy, President, Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

"As one of the nation's leading hop-producing states, Idaho benefits from the certainty and market access provided by the USMCA. A renewed and fully enforced USMCA helps ensure our world-class hops continue supporting North American breweries, as well as our rural communities and family farms." - Michelle Gooding-Badiola, President, Idaho Hop Growers Association

"The Idaho Dairymen's Association thanks the state's congressional delegation for their letter to the nation's trade negotiators advocating for improvements to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement during the ongoing USMCA joint review. Senator Mike Crapo continues to lead on international trade from his position as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. Senator Jim Risch and Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher are also strong advocates for Idaho agricultural products in export markets. The USMCA is critical for Idaho's dairy farm families as Mexico is the number 1 international market for U.S. dairy and Canada is number 2. IDA appreciates the message from the congressional delegation asking our trade negotiators to make the USMCA even stronger." - Rick Naerebout, CEO, Idaho Dairymen's Association

"Mexico and Canada are top export markets for Pacific Northwest apples, cherries and pears, accounting for approximately half of all exports. The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement has been crucial to the tree fruit industry's ability to grow and succeed in those markets. We greatly appreciate the continued work by Senators Crapo and Risch, and Representatives Simpson and Fulcher to maintain tree fruit growers' access to these important markets." - Mark Powers, President, Northwest Horticultural Council

"The USMCA is essential for the continued success of Idaho's potato industry, amplifying our reach in North American markets and ensuring our farmers thrive. By prioritizing the renewal and enforcement of this agreement, we can enhance the competitiveness of Idaho potatoes, a cornerstone of our agricultural economy, and support the livelihoods of countless families across the state." - Jamey Higham, CEO, Idaho Potato Commission

"The Idaho Onion Growers' Association appreciates the diligent work that the Idaho delegation has done for farmers and our members in Idaho and urges the renegotiation and reinstatement of USMCA. The USMCA should be a tool that facilitates prosperity and equalizes playing fields for growers on both sides of the border and promotes sustained enforcement. Idaho onion growers are required to be subject to food safety standards and audits for the safety of American consumers. It stands to reason that imported onions competing in American markets should be held to the same standard. Our members are suffering from high input costs and low domestic pricing so equalizing the food safety standards and cost of production for Mexican and American onion growers would be a welcome step in the negotiations." - Jarom Jemmett, President, Idaho Onion Growers' Association

"The USMCA provides certainty to Idaho's mint industry because it acts as a primary driver by securing a place for the industry to export mint essential oils. Idaho's mint industry applauds the efforts of our Idaho Congressional Delegation. Through their diligent work, Idaho mint producers are ensured that the promises and commitments in this Agreement continue to be honored." - Roger Batt, Executive Director, Idaho Mint Growers Association

"The Idaho Pork Producers Association strongly supports the continued success of the United States-Mexico-Canada-Agreement and encourages policymakers to preserve this important agreement for the benefit of U.S. agriculture and the communities we serve. While Idaho may not be among the nation's largest pork-producing states, our producers are directly tied to the strength of export markets that support the entire U.S. pork industry. USMCA provides critical stability and a strong trade relationship to Canada and Mexico helping to ensure long-term growth, competitiveness and opportunity benefiting farmers, consumers and rural communities across Idaho." - Bonnie Holtry, Executive Director, Idaho Pork Producers Association

The full text of the letter can be found HERE.

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